A petition has been drafted for voters’ signatures to be submitted to the Castleton Hubbardton Union 42 School Board at their first regular meeting in March 2013.

The petition requests a special meeting for a vote to cease operating the Castleton Village School on Mechanic Street in Castleton at the end of the current school year. The property would be turned over to the town of Castleton.

Enrollment in the Castleton elementary schools has been declining for years, falling 3 percent last year and 4 percent this year. The budget for operating both schools has risen from $5.3 million to a projected amount of $5.8 million for the 2013-2014 school year. The savings to taxpayers in closing the Castleton Village School and accommodating all students at the Castleton Elementary School would be considerable.

Petitions are available for signature at the town offices and local businesses.